The 32-year-old, who spent a combined four years in English football before joining Real Madrid in 2009, was most recently under contract with Al Jazira Club in the Middle East.

Diarra is now without a club, however, and French outlet Le Parisien suggests that Jose Mourinho made contact with the player's camp earlier this month.

Mourinho has twice managed the France international in the past during spells with Chelsea and Madrid, and it is understood that the United boss has yet to give up hope of pushing through a deal to provide some midfield backup.

The same report claims that Diarra is instead holding out for an offer from Paris Saint-Germain, however, with a defensive midfielder on Unai Emery's wishlist.